Keevan's Persuader training is tested against the Rhetan rebellion festering in Issamere's catacombs. Not only are Issamere's starving poor driven to the point of desperation against the Etrendi, but they have a mysterious financier with access to powerful Danica weapons. Keevan's elemental vision grants him a vital tool in tracking the deadly cargo, but openly marks him as a target to Etrendi and Rhetan alike.

In the quest for truth about the enemy's plans and resources, Keevan inadvertently uncovers a dark secret about the Malik himself. One long buried in blood. The price for the Malik's trust will cost Keevan dearly, for none who knows the Malik's secret may live, unless they offer the steepest of prices...